What HVAC efficiency rating is commonly used?

The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is a widely recognized HVAC efficiency rating that measures the cooling output of a system over a typical cooling season, divided by the total electric energy input during that period. This metric allows consumers and professionals to understand how efficiently an air conditioning system operates under realistic seasonal conditions, which is different from just measuring performance during peak or specific operating times.

SEER is particularly important because it provides a more comprehensive look at a unit's efficiency throughout varying conditions, making it a key factor in energy consumption and overall operating costs. Higher SEER ratings indicate better energy efficiency, meaning less electricity usage and lower utility bills. This makes SEER a critical metric for homeowners seeking to evaluate and compare the efficiency of air conditioning systems.

In contrast, while Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) is also a measure of efficiency, it typically refers to performance at specific peak conditions rather than over an entire season. Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) pertains solely to heating systems, measuring their efficiency in converting fuel to heat. The Coefficient of Performance (COP), while useful for heat pumps, is less commonly referenced in residential cooling systems. Thus, SEER stands out as the most common rating for assessing HVAC efficiency in the context of air conditioning